Parents of children with disabilities to have their say
Emeritus Professor Bruce Tonge
A new program to address the significant unmet emotional and behavioural needs of children with disabilities will be rolled out across Victoria from next week.
Emeritus Professor Bruce Tonge from the Centre for Developmental Psychiatry and Psychology will launch the My Say survey and a program called Stepping Stones Triple P in Melbourne on Monday.
The My Say survey is seeking feedback from parents of children aged two to 10 with disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fragile X and Down Syndrome. Those who complete the survey can register for the Stepping Stones project which offers free parenting support for an 18-month period.
Professor Tonge said children with an intellectual disability have three to four times the rate of emotional and behavioural problems, compared to the general population.
"Consequently, it is a greater problem in terms of the burden to carers and cost to the community than schizophrenia. What is extremely concerning is that only 10 percent of individuals with a mental health problem and intellectual disability receive any treatment," Professor Tonge said.
Psychologists, counsellors, teachers, nurses, family support workers and other professionals who work with special needs children are also invited to complete the survey and register for free Stepping Stones Triple P training.
The My Say launch will be held at 4.30pm, Monday 20 May at the Monash Conference Centre, Lvl 7, 30 Collins Street, Melbourne.
Light refreshments will be served.
Staff who are interested in attending the launch should contact med-steppingstones@monash.edu.